Keith Wood's Italy v Ireland preview

20 February 2003 17:12pm

Sunday's win at Murrayfield was an excellent result and a great way to rid ourselves of such a long run of defeats in Scotland. The Irish team looked very confident from the kick off and the game plan worked perfectly.

For a period of 10 minutes before and after half-time we were under a lot of pressure from the Scots and at 16-6 they were still in it. But after Geordan Murphy scored our next try we just got better and better, and we didn't look like letting them back into the game.

Ireland's defence in particular was absolutely outstanding especially when you consider the possession Scotland had.

It was something we had spoken about and it was always going to be a key area of the game. Defensively, we produced a very professional performance.

Two years ago we came to Murrayfield with the plan of playing an expansive game of rugby but the tactics were wrong and Scotland took advantage. That was not the case on this occasion and it was the right decision to keep the game tight and kick well, which David Humphreys did.

The Irish forwards made it hard for the home pack but whatever the opinion of Scotland's performance, they did create four or five chances when they could have scored tries.

That is something we have to remember and work on before Saturday's game in Italy.

For us, it's an unbelievable start to the 2003 RBS 6 Nations. Ireland have been improving all the time but it was vital that we started the tournament properly.

That said, we want to get past the second weekend with two wins to our name and the game in Rome was always going to be difficult. The Italians have been under intense pressure to justify their inclusion in the competition and they did that against Wales, although to some degree I thought the Welsh played into Italy's hands.

We'll definitely be favourites and we may have to produce a different display to the one at Murrayfield - you cut your cards differently for every game.

Much has been said about our meeting with England on the last day but I can honestly say we're not thinking about it. We've made a good start but the most important thing now is that we make sure Saturday's game ends in a second victory.